METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR TESTING AT LEAST ONE PRESSURE PIPELINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for testing at least one pressure pipeline according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Near-surface geothermal systems are increasingly being used for heat generation and cooling, particularly for heating and cooling buildings. These can be geothermal probes or thermally activated foundations, in which a pressure pipe system is installed through which a heat transfer medium ("fluid") exchanges heat or cold with the surrounding subsurface. Pressure pipe systems often have U-shaped, spiral, or coaxial pressure pipes arranged vertically or diagonally underground. Horizontal meander-shaped systems are also being built. These pressure pipe systems, whether vertical, diagonal, or horizontal, are connected to the transfer points to the building or to a heat pump system via additional pipes buried in the ground.

[0003] The pressure pipe systems, including connecting lines, are located in boreholes up to 400 m deep. These are embedded in concrete underground structures, such as bored piles, or buried underground – even beneath buildings. In any case, the installed pressure pipes are difficult or even impossible to access for subsequent repair.

[0004] Laying pressure pipelines underground, under or in buildings also occurs in the drinking water and wastewater, gas and district heating sectors.

[0005] When laying pressure pipelines, the connections between individual pipe sections must be pressure-tight during construction. This is usually done with welded or pressed sleeves. For larger dimensions, other closures or shut-off devices are also used.

[0006] 5% to 30% of pressure pipelines may be leaky after installation. This can be caused by damage to the pressure pipeline or faulty connections within the pressure pipeline system. Pressure testing during construction can reduce the proportion of pipelines that are leaky after completion of the work to 5% to 10%, ideally to zero.

[0007] For this reason, the pressure pipe systems are repeatedly tested for leaks using pressure tests as construction progresses.

[0008] The leak test is carried out by tightly closing one end of the pressure pipe with an end cap, while at the other end an end cap with a valve is attached, to which a pressure gauge can be connected. The pressure pipe was previously filled with a fluid. For the pressure test, air is forced into the pressure pipe via the valve. The pressure gauge is used to monitor whether there is any pressure loss. Since pressure pipe systems are usually made of plastic, particularly PE, PP or PVC, a material that can and may deform under pressure, procedures are prescribed for leak testing that require several continuous pressure measurements over an extended period of time. Since construction projects can easily involve installing several hundred geothermal probes with pressure pipes, which must be checked with multiple measurements during different construction phases, up to 10,000 individual measured values ​​may be required.This is very time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0009] Another problem is that while a geothermal probe is being installed, grouted, moved with the reinforcement cage, or encased in concrete, manual or wire-based measurements are very difficult or even impossible. This is a disadvantage, because it is obvious that damage can occur during these operations, which can therefore only be detected after the fact.

[0010] Other leak testing methods are possible depending on the pipe dimensions, fluid, and pressure. Instead of end caps, other closures or shut-off devices, such as shut-off valves or ball valves, are used. A fluid is introduced into the pressure pipe under pressure via connected filling devices such as hoses or lines. The pressure is monitored using a manometer with several continuous pressure measurements over an extended period of time.

[0011] KR 2020 0090543 specifies a test procedure for already installed geothermal pressure pipelines. The pipeline sections to be tested are sealed off pressure-tight with expansion plugs, and a test medium is introduced. The pressure sensor is attached directly to the plug.

[0012] The KR 102 014 763 shows a similar setup for leak testing of sewer pipes.

[0013] The invention is based on the Task The aim is to specify a method with which a pressure pipeline can be tested particularly reliably and efficiently.

[0014] The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to the invention, a method for testing at least one pressure pipeline is provided, in which a measuring device with at least one measuring sensor and a wireless data transmission unit is attached to one end of the pressure pipeline and the pressure pipeline is filled with fluid and pressurized, wherein at least one pressure in the pressure pipeline is detected by the measuring device and measurement data detected continuously or at predetermined times are wirelessly transmitted to a spaced-off central computer unit.

[0016] A basic idea of ​​the invention is to carry out an automated testing of one or a plurality of pressure pipelines using a special measuring device. In this case, a measuring device according to the invention is attached to one end of the at least one pressure pipeline. The pressure pipeline is filled with fluid and pressurized. Measurement data is recorded via at least one measuring sensor of the measuring device and a wireless data transmission unit and transmitted wirelessly to another, spaced-off data transmission unit connected to a central computer unit. The computer unit can be provided with a corresponding analysis unit, in particular corresponding software, which evaluates the received measurement data and can detect a leak in the at least one pressure pipeline.

[0017] Automated measurement and querying allows for efficient and early detection of potential damage and leaks, particularly in large numbers of pressure pipelines. This allows for any necessary rework on a pressure pipeline at a very early stage, when rework is still possible and can be carried out with relatively little effort. Overall, this allows for the efficient construction of one or more pressure pipelines with high quality.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in the measuring device being provided with a data memory and a battery for power supply, with measurement data being temporarily stored in the data memory and transmitted at specific times. The measuring device can be designed as a substantially self-sufficient unit with a battery for supplying electrical energy over a longer period of several days or several weeks.

[0019] By means of a data talker, measurement data could initially be stored locally, which could then be transmitted, for example, on request by a central computer unit or specified by a central process unit or an internal time clock.

[0020] According to a further preferred variant of the invention, the temperature and / or other condition parameters of the filled fluid and / or the pressure pipeline are detected by means of the measuring device. For example, a fill level of the fluid in the pressure pipeline, vibration behavior, or electrical conductivity of the fluid, and in particular, a change in electrical conductivity, can also be detected. These additional parameters can also provide information about possible damage.

[0021] According to the invention, a filling device is attached to the other end of the pressure pipeline. The measuring device is thus provided on one end of the pressure pipeline and the filling device is provided at the other end. In the simplest case, the filling device can be a valve. A fluid, in particular a liquid and / or a gas, can be introduced through the valve via a supply device. After the supply device is disconnected, the valve can ensure a pressure-tight seal. If there is a leak in the pressure pipeline, the measuring device can record a pressure drop over a predetermined period of time as a measure of possible damage.

[0022] According to a further development of the method according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous for a plurality of pressure pipelines to be provided and tested, each with a measuring device. Particularly with a plurality of installed pressure pipelines connected to one another to form a pressure pipeline system, the automated testing according to the invention can achieve significant savings in personnel expenditure, costs, and time while simultaneously achieving high testing accuracy.

[0023] Furthermore, an advantageous variant of the method according to the invention consists in that the at least one measuring device is initiated via the central computer unit to carry out measurements and / or data transmission, and in that the central computer unit analyzes whether there is a leak in the pressure pipeline. The computer unit, which in particular comprises a computer, is provided with appropriate analysis software. In particular, when a predetermined number of test steps are carried out over a planned test period, damage can be determined with a high degree of certainty if excessive pressure changes and pressure drops occur in a pressure pipeline. The computer unit can thus identify individual damaged pressure pipelines from a large number of pressure pipelines, so that this damage can be rectified early and in a targeted manner.

[0024] In principle, the at least one pressure pipeline can be used for various purposes, such as a drinking water or wastewater system, a gas pipeline system, or a district heating pipeline system. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous for the pressure pipelines to be formed in the ground, in particular as part of a geothermal system. The individual pressure pipelines can be designed as heat exchanger elements with a U-shape, a meander shape, a helical shape, or another suitable pipe shape. Using appropriate connecting pipes, individual pressure pipelines can thus be combined to form a geothermal system or a pipe system.

[0025] Generally, the measuring devices can only be installed for testing after the pressure pipelines have been constructed and installed in the ground. The invention is particularly advantageous because the measuring devices are installed during the installation of the pressure pipeline(s). This allows any damage to the pressure pipelines to be detected at a very early stage.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous for the at least one measuring device to be provided with a protective cover. This can prevent damage to the inherently sensitive measuring device, particularly during harsh construction site conditions. A protective cover, such as one made of plastic or metal, can protect the measuring device not only from mechanical damage but also from weather influences and, in particular, from moisture.

[0027] A particularly economical process variant is achieved by removing the measuring devices from the numerous pressure lines and connecting the pressure lines to form a pressure pipeline system. The measuring devices are generally detachably connected to the respective pressure pipeline. This can be achieved, for example, via a thread, particularly a pipe thread. After removing the measuring devices, the corresponding threads can be used to attach sleeves for connecting lines.

[0028] To implement the invention, an arrangement for testing at least one pressure pipeline is further provided, for example, wherein a measuring device with at least one measuring sensor and a wireless data transmission unit is attached to one end of the pressure pipeline, the pressure pipeline is filled with a fluid and pressurized, and a central computer unit is provided which is spaced apart from the at least one measuring device and to which central computer unit the measurement data acquired by the measuring device can be transmitted continuously or at predetermined times.

[0029] With the arrangement, in particular, the previously described method according to the invention and the embodiments thereof can be carried out. The advantages described above can be achieved.

[0030] The invention preferably makes it possible to perform pressure and, if necessary, temperature measurements throughout the entire construction phase. This does not disrupt the construction process. Furthermore, automatic data transfer to a suitable IT system enables storage, documentation, and evaluation.

[0031] One aspect of the invention therefore consists in installing a component at one end of the pressure pipeline or pressure pipe system, which component contains a pressure and temperature sensor and preferably a central processing unit, a memory, a radio unit, and an accumulator. The component is constructed in such a way that the pressure and / or temperature sensor can measure pressure and temperature outside the component, but the component is waterproof and not damaged by the externally applied pressure. Mechanically, the sensor is designed in such a way that it cannot fall into the pressure pipeline or pressure pipe system. The range of the radio unit is large enough to transmit the data in real time or at specified times to a central location on the construction project, in particular using LoRaWAN technology.

[0032] The accumulator can supply power to the components in the component for a period of a few hours to several weeks. The memory can store data for a period of a few hours to several weeks. The pressure pipeline or pressure pipe system also contains a valve or shut-off device through which a fluid can be introduced or the system can be pressurized. This valve is conveniently located at the other end of the line. It is also possible to mount the valve to the side of the pipe, for example, using a tapping clamp.

[0033] When concreting a bored pile, both ends are protected with a retaining pipe or cover. This may be necessary anyway and serves to access the two pipe ends after concreting to connect additional lines.

[0034] After a bored pile or other concrete component has been installed and measurements have been completed, the retaining pipe is removed, the end caps are removed, the pipes are connected, and the end caps with valves or pressure sensors are reconnected to the pipe ends. The same procedure is followed when extending pipes. This allows the valve and sensor to be used as often as required.

[0035] The following advantages can be achieved: 1. The multitude of data to be recorded can be digitally captured, documented, and further processed. 2. It is possible to determine in real time, or at least retrospectively in the case of reception disruptions, exactly when a pressure pipeline or the pressure pipe system developed a leak. This allows the causes of damage to be identified. 3. By monitoring other parameters over time, such as temperature, other possible damage can also be identified. 4. The method is primarily applicable to geothermal energy systems, but also to drinking water and wastewater, gas, and district heating systems. Anywhere where pressure pipelines are installed. Primarily underground, but also above ground.

[0036] The invention will be further explained below with reference to preferred embodiments, which are schematically illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows an arrangement according to the invention with a pressure pipeline and a computer unit which communicate via two data transmission units, Fig. 2 shows two end regions of a pressure pipeline according to the invention, and Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a measuring device for the pressure pipeline on an enlarged scale.

[0037] According to the Figures 1 and 2An arrangement 10 for testing according to the invention comprises a pressure pipeline 12, which can be made of a plastic, a composite material, or a metal. For the leak test, the pressure pipeline 12 is fully or partially filled with a fluid, wherein a measuring device 20 is inserted at one end region and the end of the pressure pipeline 12 is pressure-tightly closed with a cap-shaped closure 18. The other end of the pressure pipeline 12 is pressure-tightly closed with a lid- or cap-like closure with a filling device 40, wherein the filling device 40 is designed as a valve 42 for introducing a liquid or a gas under pressure into the pressure pipeline 12. A protective cover 17 protects the closures 18 and 40 and the valve 42 from damage.

[0038] If a leak occurs, a gradual pressure drop will occur in the pressure pipeline 12 prepared in this way, which can be detected via the measuring device 20. With appropriate design, the measuring device 20 can float in the fluid 5 at the indicated fill level and be attached to the pressure pipeline 12 and / or to the closure 18, in particular by screwing or gluing. The arrangement of the measuring device 20 ensures that it is accessible at the end of the pressure pipeline 12 and can be loosened and removed again for multiple uses if necessary.

[0039] According to the presentation of Figure 3The measuring device 20 has a waterproof housing 21 in which the various components of the measuring device 20 are housed. In the illustrated embodiment, a pressure sensor 22a and a temperature sensor 22b are provided as measuring sensors 22 for measuring the pressure and the temperature of the fluid 5, respectively.

[0040] The measuring device 20 is powered by an internal accumulator 26, which can be charged with electrical energy via a charging port 27 on the housing 21. The charging port 27 can also be configured for wired data transmission. In principle, contactless or plug-free energy transmission to the accumulator 26 is also possible.

[0041] A data transmission unit 24 can wirelessly transmit the measurement data acquired by the measuring sensors 22 via a spaced-apart second data transmission unit 31 to a central computer unit 30 located in the pressure pipeline 12. Depending on the data transmission technology, a range of several hundred meters to several kilometers can be provided.

[0042] Furthermore, the measuring device 20 can be provided with a data memory 25 for storing the acquired measurement data. Data transmission can occur at specific times via a central processing unit 28 or a timer. A central processing unit 28 can also specify a measurement by the measuring device supply at predetermined times.

[0043] According to the invention, in particular a plurality of pressure pipelines 12 can be provided with a measuring device 20, which is simultaneously connected to a central computer unit 30, so that a central testing and analysis of the measurement data with regard to possible leaks in the individual pressure pipelines 12 can be carried out efficiently.

[0044] Data transmission unit 31 to a central computer unit 30 connected to the pressure pipeline 12. Depending on the data transmission technology, a range of several hundred meters to several kilometers can be provided.

[0045] Furthermore, the measuring device 20 can be provided with a data memory 25 for storing the acquired measurement data. Data transmission can occur at specific times via a central processing unit 28 or a timer. A central processing unit 28 can also specify a measurement by the measuring device supply at predetermined times.

[0046] According to the invention, in particular a plurality of pressure pipelines 12 can be provided with a measuring device 20, which is simultaneously connected to a central computer unit 30, so that a central testing and analysis of the measurement data with regard to possible leaks in the individual pressure pipelines 12 can be carried out efficiently.

Claims

1. Method for testing at least one pressurised pipeline (12), in which - a measuring device (20) with at least one measuring sensor (22) and a wireless data transmission unit (24) is attached to one end of the pressurised pipeline (12), - a filling device (40, 42) is attached to the other end of the pressurised pipeline (12), and - the pressurised pipeline (12) is filled with a fluid (5) and pressurised, - wherein at least one pressure in the pressurised pipeline (12) is detected by the measuring device (20) and measurement data recorded continuously or at predetermined times is transmitted wirelessly to a central computer unit (30) located at a distance, characterised in that - the measuring device (20) is already inserted when the pressurised pipeline (12) is inserted into a ground.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the measuring device (20) is provided with a data memory (25) and an accumulator (26) for power supply, wherein measurement data is temporarily stored in the data memory (25) and transmitted at specific times.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the temperature and / or other condition parameters relating to the filled fluid (5) and / or the pressurised pipeline (12) are detected by means of the measuring device (20).

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a plurality of pressurised pipelines (12) are each provided with a measuring device (20) and tested.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the central computer unit (30) is used to initiate the at least one measuring device (20) for measurement and / or data transmission, and in that the central computer unit (30) analyses whether there is a leak in the pressurised pipe (12).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a plurality of pressurised pipelines (12) are configured in the ground, in particular as part of a geothermal system.

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the at least one measuring device (20) is provided with a protective cover (17).

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the measuring devices (20) of a plurality of pressurised pipelines (12) are removed and the pressurised pipelines (12) are connected to a pressurised pipeline system.